Four acrylic panels in the simulated ice wall separating the bear and seal pools allow unobstructed underwater views between the bear and seal pools for bears, seals and visitors.
The Polar Passage, is a 21 meter long, clear acrylic underwater tunnel that winds through the exhibit's marine environment, affecting visitors with its breathtaking views of polar bears and seals swimming overhead. 2.4 meter high and 3.6 meter wide, the Polar Passage is composed of 10 cm thick acrylic panels set in the bottom of the 4.2 meter deep saltwater pool. For approximately half its length, polar bears swim over the heads of visitors in the Polar Passage, while seals swim above and on both sides of visitors along the remainder. For the occasional visitor who does not wish to experience the Polar Passage, a bypass route is provided.
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2 comments:
awesome ezhibit and bears should stay active watching the seals. Sea World exhibit was great when first opened with bears active, but now they sleep most of the time.
The Detroit Zoo has the world's largest and arguably best polar bear exhibit in the world. It was the AZA exhibit award winner in 2003.
"...This state-of-the-art, $14.9 million, interactive facility encompasses over four acres of outdoor and indoor exhibits...In addition to experiencing polar bears in a vast, open tundra, guests will encounter other Arctic animals including the Arctic Fox..."
Then there is the underwater polar passage pictured.
"...Visitors then arrive in an "ice world," passing through a frigid ice cave and finally entering an exploration station with additional indoor viewing..."
Wade published pictures of the tundra and pack ice parts of the exhibit on Wednesday, June 4, 2008.
Mary Ann
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